Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A Detailed Protocol for Physiological Parameters Acquisition and Analysis in Neurosurgical Critical Patients
Published on: October 17, 2017
Effect of mechanical chest percussion on intracranial pressure: a pilot study
DaiWai M Olson1, Suzanne M Thoyre, Stacey N Bennett
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA. Olson006@mc.duke.edu
Background:
Treatment of brain injury is often focused on minimizing intracranial pressure, which, when elevated, can lead to secondary brain injury. Chest percussion is a common practice used to treat and prevent pneumonia. Conflicting and limited anecdotal evidence indicates that physical stimulation increases intracranial pressure and should be avoided in patients at risk of intracranial hypertension.
Objectives:
To explore the safety of performing chest percussion for patients at high risk for intracranial hypertension.
Methods:
A total of 28 patients with at least 1 documented episode of intracranial hypertension who were having intracranial pressure monitored were studied in a prospective randomized control trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (no chest percussion) or the intervention group (10 minutes of chest percussion at noon). Intracranial pressure was recorded once a minute before, during, and after the intervention.
Results:
Mean intracranial pressures for the control group before, during, and after the study period (14.4, 15.0, and 15.9 mm Hg, respectively) did not differ significantly from pressures in the intervention group (13.6, 13.7, and 14.2 mm Hg, respectively).
Conclusions:
Mechanical chest percussion may be a safe intervention for nurses to use on neurologically injured patients who are at risk for intracranial hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...

